Answer :
The kinetic energy of a 63,126 lb tractor trailer moving at 86 mph is approximately 21,217,209.25 Joules. To find this, you convert the weight to kilograms and the speed to meters per second, then apply the kinetic energy formula. The steps include weight and speed conversion followed by calculating the final energy value.
To calculate the kinetic energy of the tractor trailer, we use the formula for kinetic energy: K.E. = 0.5 * m * v², where m is the mass in kilograms and v is the speed in meters per second.
First, convert the weight from pounds to kilograms: 63,126 lb * 0.453592 = 28,632 kg.
Next, convert the speed from miles per hour to meters per second: 86 mph * 0.44704 = 38.5 m/s.
Now, use these values in the kinetic energy formula:
K.E. = 0.5 * 28,632 kg * (38.5 m/s)²
This calculates to:
K.E. = 0.5 * 28,632 * 1482.25
K.E. ≈ 21,217,209.25 Joules
Therefore, the kinetic energy of the tractor trailer is approximately 21,217,209.25 Joules.